Blue Water Veterinary Care

12/06/2024

We've had a jam-packed couple of weeks and have missed our weekly updates so here's a photo dump of some of our favourites from the months of May and June

11/06/2024

Thank you for having us to your well behaved ponies Nicole!! Such a delight 🥰

The reason your horse strikes, bites or pushes dangerously on your vet, is because you haven't taught them that a human's personal space matters.

Personal space issues can be easy to overlook if your horse is usually quiet and placid, and the behaviour only seems to show up when they are stressed or hurting.

But if you look closely at your daily interactions, you'll find that you are allowing uninvited pushing into your space in subtle ways... and therefore accidentally telling your horse it's ok to use physical force against humans.

For example, if your horse is::

* Demanding scratches by leaning on you, or using you as a rubbing post

* Nibbling at your pockets looking for treats

* Shoving their head in the bucket before you have set it down in front of them

* Swinging their head / shoulders / rump into you when they get distracted by something else

* Creeping up closer after you have backed them away from you

All of these things, if not rectified, lead the horse to believe that it's perfectly fine to push against a human.

>> All of these things are a miniature version of getting struck, bitten or run over by your horse.

29/05/2024

Our phones have been down today and we haven’t been receiving phone calls. We have now fixed this problem but sincerely apologise if you have tried to get through today!
If you have any more troubles, please text 0458 806 183 and we can return your call. Texts are working perfectly 👌

Rainbow from this morning’s drive across the Pleystowe bridge (taken from the passenger seat 😉)

25/05/2024

So wonderful to see so many familiar faces!! Hope everyone enjoyed the ride today 🩶🖤

17/05/2024

Say hello if you spot this rare species in the wild!! 👀🐴

17th May 2024 - Endangered Species Day

👨‍⚕️Equine Vets 👩‍⚕️

Where have all the horse vets gone? 🤔

For a long time, practising equine veterinarians have noticed fewer and fewer new equine vets are coming through to practices in clinics worldwide. Horses are the primary victims of this shortage; these animals now face higher risk of untreated injuries and disease due to lack of veterinary care available to owners.

👉Click the links on the following articles to find out more about our equine vet shortage in Australia:

https://www.anzbloodstocknews.com/leading-practice-addresses-critical-shortage-of-equine-veterinarians/
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-05/tasracing-offers-incentive-as-vet-shortage-worsens/102303084
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-28/vet-shortage-could-see-closure-of-longford-equine-horse-clinic/102264592
https://www.bordermail.com.au/story/8048754/horses-and-owners-suffer-in-vet-shortage-as-urgent-treatments-delayed/
https://www.smh.com.au/national/male-vets-are-a-dying-breed-and-it-s-not-helping-a-critical-shortage-20221124-p5c14o.html

14/05/2024

We visited this beautiful boy last week and was blessed with this hilarious photo!
What was he thinking when Dr Hope was discussing his xrays with his mum?

Our favourite caption will win a Blue Water Vets gift pack!

01/05/2024

To celebrate the cooler weather and the recent introduction of our brand new PARASIGHT electronic faecal egg count machine, we are offering a FREE faecal egg count with every horse visit for the month of May this year.
Valued at $39, a faecal egg count provides essential data on when we should be worming our horses, whether they are high or low egg shedders and can help us save money and prevent resistance of wormers in the long run.

Here's a wonderful summary from veterinary colleagues in Victoria about the modern day approach to parasite control in horses: https://www.tevs.com.au/faecal-egg-count

We've included a copy of a sample run today that had a moderate result of 882 eggs per gram!

Contact us for more information or to book online:
https://pawsapp.com.au/ba?cid=6090

22/04/2024

WEEKLY WRAP UP (from last week!)

We had a fun, complication-free extraction on Monday morning first up for a tooth that had become diseased and rotten at the roots.

We also had plenty more eyes and ongoing rechecks of stromal abscesses (infection in the internal layers of the eye's surface). Routine dentals, vaccinations and more hoof abscesses (with only a slight reprieve in the weather the last few days!). To round out the week, we performed a gastroscopy exam on a thoroughbred struggling to gain weight and diagnosed grade 2 gastric ulceration and started treatment straight away. Finger's crossed its upwards from here.

Always work to be done, so scroll to the end for a mowing pic with our hardest working employee on the weekend!

Short week this week with ANZAC day on Thursday (closed for routine appointments but open for emergencies).

Have a wonderful week horse friends!

15/04/2024

April is Hendra Vaccination Month!

If you are unsure about your horse’s vaccination status, please give us a call!

* While over 1 million doses of Equivac HeV have been administered, less than 10% of horses in Australia are up to date with vaccination
* The most vaccinated population of horses in Australia are Thoroughbred breeding horses, this is due to strong guidance and collaboration between vets and industry after the 2019 spillover in Scone.

14/04/2024

✨Weekly Wrap Up ✨

Another busy, busy week (and busy weekend on call)!
We have had hoof abscesses (hopefully no more!!), cellulitis, a couple of nasty wounds, another eye removal (3 in 3 weeks!!), HEAPS of eye ulcers and stromal abscesses, dentals, vaccinations and much more!
We also collaborated with Dr Rachel Kent Go Vet Mobile Veterinary Service to help a horse with a dental condition.

Ash's highlight of the week was a complex facial surgery following a non-healing facial fracture approximately 8 weeks ago. The wound was opened to remove dead, necrotic bone material and then closed again to facilitate healing.

Book Online Now: https://pawsapp.com.au/ba?cid=6090

06/04/2024

Our weekly wrap up coming to you from Saturday this week as we've had another big week!

We had a few unusual cases that kept us busy:
- We removed a shoe-boil cyst that has been giving our patient grief for many months
- We removed another eye after it became badly infected and very painful
- We checked out an unusual lump on a donkey foal (and didn't mind the cuddles while we were there!)
- Lots more hoof abscesses this week thanks to the unrelenting rain/wet ground
- A laminitis case found on hoof radiographs
- A trip to Prossy for some pregnancy scans and some lameness work
- A couple of sore eyes
- And two cases of swamp cancers to boot!

With plenty of vaccinations, dental procedures and microchipping thrown into the mix, we think we might call it a week there (unless you have an emergency over the weekend, and then we're still on call!)
Wishing you a safe remainder of the weekend 💙

04/04/2024

🐴 Exciting News! 🐴

🌟 We're thrilled to announce the launch of our brand new online booking system for appointments, client and patient information and reminders! 🌟

Booking appointments, checking due dates and registering new horses has never looked so easy - we've trialled it on a few clients now and it seems to be working schmicko 👌

Visit our website client portal https://bluewatervets.com.au/client-information to check it out and book your next appointment today!

Thank you for entrusting us with the care of your horses and we hope to make the booking process a lot smoother with our new system 💙

02/04/2024

Although we're predominantly horse vets, Dr Ash can't resist the odd cattle call here and there, especially a calving! We managed to safely deliver this huge bull calf first thing this morning after the Easter break. What a wonderful way to start the week! 🐮🐂

29/03/2024

WEEKLY WRAP UP!

Although it's a short week thanks to the Easter long weekend, we managed to see a huge variety of patients this week including:
- Hendra Virus Vaccinations
- Equine dental procedures including a surprise tooth extraction
- An eye removal surgery in a young foal following a severe eye ulcer
- Weight loss investigation in an older horse
- Surgical repair of a shoulder laceration (horse meets star-picket.. a common injury!!)
- Hoof radiographs and monitoring for laminitis
- PLENTY of hoof abscess!
- Two eye injuries
- DNA sampling for young thoroughbreds
- Full lameness assessment of a jumping horse
- and a horse with terribly itchy skin (severe allergies)!

We can't wait to see what's in store for next week!

Happy Easter to our wonderful clients! 🐰🪺 We're on call for emergencies this weekend if you find your horse in a pickle! 0458 806 183

26/03/2024

Dr Michelle in Griffith, NSW has put into words our exact struggle with returning client enquiries, and why we are too sometimes a little slow to return to non-urgent things.

Keep your eyes peeled as we will soon be opening an online booking system (YAY!!), but in the meantime, love and a bit of patience goes a long way 💙

21/03/2024

Our colleagues in North America have developed a fantastic resource detailing the expected relationship between equine vets and horse owners.

We are adopting this at Blue Water Vets and hope that you feel secure knowing the standard of care you receive when engaging in our services.

Thank you to Red Oak Animal Hospital-Bucyrus, KS for sharing!

23/02/2024

At a time where life is feeling pretty hectic, this is a beautiful post 🥰🥰 Envious of those who got to see Taylor Swift live last weekend and this weekend!!

“Fearless isn’t about being one hundred percent unafraid, it’s about being terrified but jumping anyway”
- Taylor Swift
Fearless
The Eras Collection

13/02/2024

Massive, massive thanks to Donna and Jason (Hope’s parents) for coming out to help us late last night when Ash’s car unexpectedly ran out of fuel, a VERY long way from home. Lots of laughing and feeling very silly, but we made it home safe! As it turns out, you never stop needing your parents!! 💕

Off to buy an emergency Jerry can for the trailer as we speak 😅

06/02/2024

EQUINE METABOLIC DISEASE 🌱🌱

We have seen an abnormally high number of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) cases and laminitis flare ups in the past 3-4 weeks.
This is very likely due to the large amount of rain and fast growing grass we have had recently, with a number of stable laminitis cases deteriorating and a number of newly diagnosed cases emerging.

If you are concerned that your horse or pony may be foot sore, overweight, a very 'easy doer' or abnormally cresty in the neck region, please get in touch with us ASAP for an assessment.

If we can prevent just one more horse from an acute laminitis flare up we will be happy!!

29/01/2024

Some great tips from Melissa!
Ensure you’re adding plenty of electrolytes!!

How about this heat? Its just next level and set to continue for a few days yet.

How is everyone coping?
For me - Ive reduced my work load and spending more time (hibernating?) in the Air Con and ensuring to drink additional water and e-lytes.

But what about our horses that cannot get into the air-con?

Basically we just need to help cool them, limit any stress & activities and perhaps limit or postpone any exercise until some cooler days set in. Heat & Humidity is very different to heat on its on & should be managed accordingly.

Over the years Ive been fortunate to have competed around the calendar through cool and heat and humidity, and also across parts of the world, as an endurance rider. From my experiences and working with/competing alongside some terrific horse people, these are my thoughts -

For cooling your horse quickly, concentrate on hosing of the large leg and belly veins, particularly the underside and between those hind legs & between the buttocks, as well as the horse all over.
If you need, you can add some ice to water in buckets to cool the water further & using a feed scoop get that cooler water onto the horses body. A towel can be immersed into the water and this cold-infused towel can be placed over the barrel/withers, and you can even wrap one around the neck if its long enough for a real cool relief.

If the horse is heading back out to the paddock, be sure to scrape that excess water off so that it doesn't heat back up, and you can then use a towel to stand the hair on the horses body up, as this will elevate drying and cooling.

And salt, horses really need salt all year round, but particularly now. Don't need to go rushing out to purchase the latest advertised fashion electrolyte, many of them are not balanced for our climate and are full of "fillers" that your horse really doesn't need. (check the ingredients list !) Good old fashioned table salt, or iodised salt if you desire will suffice...safely can add 2 tablespoons 2x day while its this hot. If you are working with an equine nutritionist, pop them an email and ask their thoughts also.

I also like to offer a "Sports Water" when really hot. This simply put, is a good dollop of molasses in a bucket with a tablespoon of salt & water. My horses are not offered this treat regularly, so when they do they are usually happy to slurp it on up - another good way to keep their hydration topped up.

If you have any other ideas, or tips on how to stay cool and hydrated I'd love to hear them!

Happy riding,
Cheers Melissa

Photo of one of our endurance horses Azaylia by the talented Sue Crockett.

28/01/2024

Equine vets are implementing new policies for emergency care. A recent survey revealed that newer policies now include charging higher fees for emergencies, limiting emergency services to established clients & requiring payment at the time of service, and more. These changes aim to improve compensation for vets, reduce the number of emergency calls, and enhance safety & efficiency. As the need to see emergencies is one of the important factors that drives vets to leave equine practice, it seems the equine veterinary industry is evolving to ensure continued access to care for horses.”

Read article👇
https://ow.ly/Fzgn50Qv58z

25/01/2024

INAUGURAL SPONSORED RIDER PROGRAM 2024

While the wet weather may be a drag for some, for Ash it's a chance to catch up on her office work 📝📄📂

It's time to announce our Sponsored Rider Program for 2024.
This year, we found it impossible to narrow down to just one rider, and have chosen to sponsor not one, but THREE amazing local riders.

Introducing:
1. Leonie Keidel - Senior Western Pleasure
2. Elise Cameron - Senior English and Showing
3. Wyatt McKewen (Melissa McKewen) - Junior Western Sports

These riders will receive a veterinary health package for their horse to ensure they are up to scratch for their 2024 riding plans. This includes a dental, vaccinations, lameness exam and gastroscopy exam valued in excess of $800.

We can't wait to introduce you to these riders soon and watch along as we follow their 2024 riding journey. Make sure you say G'day if you see them out and about!!

Thank you to everyone who submitted an application. There were over 25 riders and each one was a quality application in their own right!

21/01/2024

🌀 CYCLONES 🌀

We are staring down the barrel of our second tropical cyclone warning within 5 weeks, this one is predicted to be hitting a little closer to home!!

Tips to keep your horses as safe as possible:
🌀 Remove all rugs, head collars and fly masks, leave your horse bare to avoid snagging of accessories on fences or flying debris
🌀 Conduct a paddock walk-through and clean any objects that could become airborne in high winds, or objects that may injure your horses
🌀 Clear your fence lines and make them as visible as possible to your horses
🌀 Store enough fresh water for drinking in case your supply is cut - 40L per day per horse minimum
🌀 Take a recent photo of your horse with identifying features in case you need to prove ownership or search for your horse after the storm passes
🌀 Braid a luggage tag into their mane with your contact information and their paddock address so they can be returned if separated from your property - from experience, spray paint on coats and sharpie on hooves tends to wear off in heavy rain and mud!
🌀 Keep/restock your horse first aid kit on hand, especially with bandage material, cleaning solution (betadine or similar) and an antiseptic cream.
🌀Make sure your horse has received a tetanus vaccine in the last 12 months, and if not, give a booster pronto!
🌀 Contact us ASAP if your horse is injured - we will make an assessment if it is safe to attend. If not, we will give advice over the phone and attend as soon as it is safe to do so.

We will remain open 24/7 for emergencies but some of our upcoming scheduled appointments may be rescheduled. We will reach out to clients who may be affected.

0458 806 183

Stay safe North Queensland!

20/01/2024

EQUINE GASTRIC ULCERS

This morning we had our first discounted gastroscopy workshop and had a great turnout! Thank you to those who came along and supported us this morning.

Some statistics for today:
- 100% of horses (6 out of 6) had at least grade 1 ulceration of the stomach
- 50% of horses had both squamous and glandular ulceration
- 50% of horses had only squamous ulceration
- 100% of horses had scarring from previous episodes of gastric ulceration
- 100% of horses starting treatment for gastric ulceration
- 83% of horses showing clinical signs for stomach ulcers
- 50% Mares, 50% geldings
- 100% of the horses we scoped today were chestnut in colour! (this one is an absolute coincidence but funny nonetheless!)

Gastric ulcers are far more prevalent than we realise and your horse may be at risk without you even being aware! Please contact us if you'd like to get your horse checked via a gastroscopy procedure. 0458 806 183

09/01/2024

DISCOUNTED GASTROSCOPY DAY

As promised late last year, we are offering a limited number of discounted gastroscopy exams launch our new piece of equipment!

Our normal gastroscopy examination is $295 which includes a health check and consultation, sedation and the procedure.
We know that gastric ulcers are a big problem in our equine friends with some studies reporting up to 90-100% of horses being affected to some degree!
We’d like to make this procedure more accessible to our clients and followers by offering 50% a gastroscope exam for one day only. This is a saving of $147.50!

A limited number of appointments will be available on Saturday the 20th of January at our home base in Balnagowan (near Pleystowe) only. Your horse needs to be fasted with NO ACCESS TO FEED (of any kind! Grass, hard feed, snacks, treats) for a minimum of 12 hours (preferably 18 hours) before the examination. Horses also must be clinically well apart from suspicion of gastric ulcers / poor performance.

For enquiries, please message the business page or email us at [email protected].

Be quick! We are anticipating spots to fill quickly!

08/01/2024

Ash has been down and out over the weekend with COVID (and half of Mackay it seems!), but finished up this nasty head wound on Friday afternoon - another horse proving they are possible of just about anything when it comes to wounds! 🤦🏻‍♀️🫣

Thanks to our wonderful clients who rescheduled for emergencies and illness on Friday and the weekend, and thank you for your patience in getting back to enquiries. We're working hard to get back to people now!

01/01/2024

🤩 HAPPY NEW YEAR! 🤩

We hope our clients are having a wonderful day today and getting in some horse time!

We have been answering emergencies this morning, including this nasty hoof abscess which was a tough one to open! This mare is significantly more comfortable now that its draining and will be on the road to recovery in no time 🚙🤒🐴

27/12/2023

Our sponsored Rider program closes at 5pm on Sunday the 31st of December! Get your applications in before they close!